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Zaxbys names Chris Kung as new chief digital officerZaxbys names Chris Kung as new chief digital officer

Executive joins Atlanta-based chicken restaurant from Dollar General and Macy’s

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 29, 2024

1 Min Read
Zaxbys Chris Kung chief digital officer
Zaxbys names Chris Kung as chief digital officer.Zaxbys

Zaxbys, the quick-service chicken chain, has named Chris Kung as its new chief digital officer, the company said.

zaxby-s-chris-kung-chief-digital-officer.jpgAtlanta-based Zaxbys said Kung would lead the company’s loyalty and e-commerce initiatives and would report to Bernard Acoca, Zaxbys CEO.

Kung joins Zaxbys most recently from Dollar General, where he served as chief digital officer. Prior to Dollar General, Kung held key leadership positions at Macy's Inc.

At Zaxbys, the company said Kung would establish a new loyalty and e-commerce team. Previously, ports of his role were held by Mike Nettles, Zaxbys chief technology officer, and Patrick Schwing, Zaxbys chief marketing and strategy officer.

“Zaxbys rapid expansion requires the investment of world-class leaders and resources,” said Acoca in a statement. “Chris's expertise in e-commerce and loyalty programs will help drive incremental growth and enhance the Zaxby’s experience as digital touchpoints continue to proliferate throughout the customer journey.”

Zaxbys, founded in 1990, has more than 950 locations in 17 states.

In 2020, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division acquired a “significant stake” in Zaxbys Operating Co. L.P., the parent to Zaxbys, which was then based in Athens, Ga.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Related:Zaxby’s is the latest chain to extend its sauces into retail

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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